Description
MKII Paradive Gen 3 on a 2-piece rubber strap with 20mm stitched “James Bond” NATO strap. This is the most desirable model with the 12 hour GMT bezel and domes sapphire crystal. Specially adjusted to 6 positions at extra cost at time of production. Here is a like new/ excellent condition example with only slightest signs of use. There is a very light rub mark on the case top left lug (from spring bar, strap change) that can only be seen when the watch is turned and a slight sign on the back that a one piece strap was used previously (see pictures…the signs of use are really that slight!).
This watch came from a prominent watch collector living on the west coast and his care and attention to collectibility is really apparent. The MKII PARADIVE GEN 3 is currently sold out at MKII with no date when/if there will be another batch. As a result, the price on these keeps creeping upwards. It’s easy to see why because this is among the ultimate tool watches, a military diver that was born as an homage to the now-cult status Benrus Type I military watch. MKII has always done an exceptional job with their interpretations of military watches, and owner Bill Yao’s attention to detail and build quality is legendary. Great lume, great size, classic looks, and the acrylic GMT bezel (with lume) is really nice detail. We sell watches frequently as my collection ebbs and flows. I’m not sure I’ll have another Paradive. The MKII PARADIVE GEN 3 includes the original natuaral rubber strap and a new UK-NATO straps of the James Bond type. These straps are high quality. Also included is the original carry case, production and warranty (now expired) papers as well as a strap changing tool, 2 sets of standard, and one set of spare “fat” 20mm spring bars. A really nice example seldom seen as originally owned by a meticulous west coast collector!
The Ready-to-Wear Paradive is our interpretation of the watch issued to US Special Forces and CIA maritime units from the 1960s up to the early 1980s. The original watch was specially developed for the US military and never sold commercially. The only way to get one was to earn one. We took the original and modernized and upgraded the design.
Our concept was to produce a watch that the modern US military might have requisitioned if the watch was re-introduced today. We replaced the bi-directional bezel with the modern safety feature of the uni-directional bezel for diving, ensuring that one would always under-estimate the bottom time remaining. The original acrylic crystal was upgraded to an anti-reflective coated sapphire crystal and the monocoque case replaced with a two-piece design that is significantly easier to service.
• Case Width: 41.25 mm (bezel diameter)
• Case Length: 49.50 mm end to end
• Case Thickness: 15.54 mm
• Lug Width: 20.00 mm
• Weight: 98 grams (without strap)
• Crystal: Double domed sapphire crystal, with anti-reflective coating on the interior surface only
• Luminous: SuperLumiNova BGW9
• Movement: Made in Japan SII NE15 (Rotor features Côtes de Genève), quickset date, hack setting, automatic with manual winding capability. Movement origin: Made in Japan
• Water Resistance: 20 ATMs (200 meters – verified according to ISO 6425)
• Case Finish: Bead blasted 316L stainless steel
• Other
- – Country of Origin: Made in Japan
- – Drilled through lugs
- – Screw-down crown
- – Strap: UK MOD-style strap
- – Timed in 6 positions (special additional adjustments at request and cost to original owner)
The manual to this watch can be downloaded here –> Paradive instruction manual
This is a superb example of the MKII PARADIVE GEN 3 that would be a great addition to an astute collector’s collection or a daily wearer for a lucky world traveler perhaps.
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